Lions RB Riddick should be ready for training camp

At the end of last season, the Detroit Lions were hurting at running back, literally. Both options of the one-two punch to start the 2016 year ended up on the injured reserve. Starter Ameer Abdullah went down with a Lisfranc tear in week 2 and pass-catching specialist Theo Riddick missed the last six games due to an ankle and wrist injury.

Recently, Abdullah has been a full participant at OTAs and mini camp while Riddick has worked out on the side.

Riddick underwent a double wrist surgery in the offseason which forced him to miss spring practices. With training camp starting soon, the fifth year running back is expected to at least participate. His availability for this upcoming season was never really in question, but at the very least, should ease any concerns.

It is still yet to be determined if the 5-foot-9, 201-pound back will don a red non-contact jersey, but both surgically repaired wrists are anatomically stable.

Riddick has a very unique skill set. Despite missing almost a third of the season, he still had over 50-catches and lead the Lions in rushing (357) last season. He has consistently been one of the most dangerous open field players in the league.

Riddick averaged a career-best rush average in 2016 with 3.9-yards per carry. Never known to be a great inside runner, he has improved greatly the past couple of seasons and will be relied upon to help carry the rushing load.